Means for Underwear

ABSTRACT

Underwear, such as boxer shorts or long underwear, intended to be used by men. The underwear being provided at its upper end with a first elastic band or panel forming an integral part of the underwear and extending around the entire circumference of the waistband of the underwear. The underwear is provided with a second elastic band, string or panel. The second elastic band, string or panel is in the form of a continuous band extending along at least a part of the circumference of an underwear beneath the intended position of a scrotum in a front of the underwear, skewed upwards along the intended position of the groin of a male towards the upper end of the intended position of the buttocks of the male, extending along the intended position of a male hip bone, in spaced relation with the first elastic band or panel

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to underwear meant to be used by men, suchas for example boxer shorts, long underwear or pajamas, that is fittedat its upper part with a first elastic waist band or elastic panel thatextends around the whole part of the hip lining, preferably forming anintegral part of said underwear and further provided with a secondelastic band or panel.

2. Description of the Related Art

Scrotum is a protuberance of skin and muscles containing and protectingthe testicles and is located between penis and anus. In specificsituations, such as during physical exercise, sexual activities or whenscrotum is exposed to cold temperatures, the muscle fibers in scrotumcontract, contracting the surface of the skin so that the surface of theskin wrinkles and becomes thicker. Thus the testicles will be movedcloser to the body. On the other hand when scrotum is exposed to heat,or is in a state of relaxation, the muscles in scrotum becomes soft andrelaxed. The relaxed muscle fibers make the testicles move away from thebody and hang more or less freely downwards. Due to gravity and in viewof the fact that most types of men's underwear pulls the testiclestowards the body, together with the fact that most men to-day aresitting most of the time, the pocket of skin and muscle fibers arestretched, making the skin of the scrotum to become in contact with theinside of the thighs. The effect of such stretching increases as menbecomes older and thus the “length of scrotum” becomes even longer.

It is well known fact that when human skin touches human skin, heat isproduced. In order to avoid excessive heating, the perspiration glandsof the body produce secrete fluids in the form of sweat. For many menwhose skin of the scrotum has been stretched, this may cause more orless chronic condition of higher temperature in the scrotum. This partlychronically excessive heat may develop fungus in the skin around thecrutch and cause allergic reactions. Because temperatures seekequilibrium, the whole area around scrotum will be heated, so thatexcessive heat is also spread to the testicles, in the pelvic and rectumregion and in the prostate. Resent research has proved that when thereproduction organs for men are exposed for excessive heat, the qualityof the seamen will decrease and thus the ability to reproduction. Whenthis heating continues over a period of time, both sterility andinfertility might occur as well as a reduced stiffness of the erectedpenis.

For most men over 50 years of age, a medical term, called BeninProstatic Hyperplasia (BHP) may occur, i.e. a term related to theincrease in size of the prostate gland. When this gland is growing andeventually is exposed to stress in one way or another, the prostategland, which surrounds the urine tube, is imposing a pressure on theurine tube, causing thinner urine jet as well as more frequent need forurination. Men who have this suffering, need to get up several timesduring nights to urinate. There are no definite final research or theorywhy the prostate gland is growing for older men, but a probable causemay be stress in connection with the overheating and cooling of thescrotum and pelvic region.

The modern way of living involves a lot of sitting down, andconventional underwear presses either the scrotum towards the thighs orallows the scrotum to hang leaning towards the thighs. When thetesticles are pressed against the pelvic, or the crutch, heat isproduced, also spreading to rectum and the prostate gland which issituated just few centimeters away from where the scrotum is situated.

As previously mentioned scrotum has been created in order to hang“outside” men's body, so that the temperature of the scrotum may becooled. The ideal temperature in scrotum is considered to be about oneto two degrees Celsius below body temperature. It is assumed that theprocess with a higher than normal temperature in scrotum and in theareas around it for older men, followed by the body's attempt to cooldown by secreting sweat, causes a stress situation to the prostate glandwith the following of problematic symptoms of BPH—frequently urinating,thin and low pressure urine jet as well as the fact that the urinebladder is not completely emptied, and that this causes an unwanted needfor frequent urination, at least during the night.

Furthermore there is a tendency with modern boxer shorts to manufacturethem in an elastic fabric, which contributes to pushing penis andscrotum in towards the body, whereby the detrimental effects mentionedabove will be increased.

US 20050268380 A1 discloses a prior art underwear for men where anelastic ribbon is incorporated in the apparel in order to lift penis andscrotum up and/or away from the body.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,353,940 B1 discloses a prior art underwear for men wherean elastic ribbon is incorporated in the apparel in order to lift penisand scrotum away from the body.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,353,940 B1 discloses a prior art underwear for menfitted with a perforated pocket intended to provide for a good heatregulation and a moisture removing effect by means of ventilation.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,342 (B1) discloses a known men's underwear which isdesigned with a ribbon that are stretched as a continual string where anelastic ribbon is incorporated in the apparel in order to lift penis andscrotum away from the body.

It is therefore a need to find a solution which as much as possibleeliminates or at least reduces the nuisance and effects mentioned above,and where scrotum is prevented from being pressed towards the body in aunfortunate or detrimental way, and which also is comfortable to wearwithout any restrictions and also being independent of movements andpositions of the wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the invention is to provide a solution preventingunnecessary or undesired heat production, developed in the crutch andthus at least partly problems caused by BPH.

Another object of the invention is to provide a simple solution which isnot uncomfortable to wear and which is not only functioning when thewearer is in certain body positions.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a solution thatprohibits formation of chronically moisture in the form of sweat, whichmay cause fungus, and eczema in the area of men's crutch.

Another object of the invention is to provide a solution that it may beintegrated in for example a boxer shorts or a long under trousers.

Another object of the invention is to provide a solution that is looseand comfortable to use and at the same time distributing the liftingpowers in a comfortable way.

The objects of the present invention are achieved by a solution that iscloser defined in the independent patent claims.

Embodiments of the invention are defined by the accompanying dependentpatent claims.

According to the present invention an elastic separation device forscrotum is provided, avoiding or at least substantially reducing directcontact between scrotum and the skin of the thighs, whereby unwanteddevelopment of heat may be avoided. The separation device may be in formof integrated, preferably independent elastic bands or elastic panelsthat may be sown or woven into the underwear so that said separationmeans may form an integrated, permanent or a exchangeable part of theunderwear. When scrotum in a comfortable way is separated from bodilycontact with the thighs, as well as avoiding direct press or strain onthe scrotum or testicles, scrotum obtains a more normal condition at alower temperature, so that scrotum more frequently may be preserved inits original firm shape with contracted muscle fibers and wrinkled skinmay be cause a lasting original condition.

Alternatively the separating means may be placed outside the underwearas a separate unit. This may also be attached outside of an existingunderwear or as a unit woven into the garment.

The embodiment may be formed as a separate, independent and adjustableband which for example may be arranged on existing underwear,

In any case the length of the elastic band or panel, which either may besown into the underwear or serving as an independent unit, is so longthat it can preferably be just a bit shorter than the circumferentialline or string, drawn from under the scrotum and around the bullocks andback to its starting point under scrotum. Alternatively saidcircumferential length may correspond to a line drawn from the top ofone buttock, around the hip along the inguen or groin on one side to anattachment point beneath the scrotum, near rectum, and the up along theinguen or groin back to above the other buttock, i.e. extending more orless as a continuous string around the entire body.

The length of the elastic band or panel, either sown into or woven intothe underwear, or the embodiment forming a separate unit, has a lengthso that it can be stretched as a more or less continuous string from oneside of the body under scrotum and up to each opposite side of the hips.Alternatively the band may be stretched around the whole of thecircumstance of the body or underwear.

Tests performed with the present solution show that the temperature onthe surface of the scrotum becomes lower and may be maintained at a moreuniform level.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description considered in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that thedrawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as adefinition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should bemade to the appended claims. It should be further understood that thedrawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwiseindicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate thestructures and procedures described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiment of the invention shall in the following be described ingreater detail, referring to accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 shows schematically a part of the body of a person dressed withthe underwear according to the present invention, seen from the front;

FIG. 2 shows schematically a part of the body seen from the behind,dressed with underwear according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows schematically a part of the body seen in perspective fromone side, dressed with underwear according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment giving the same effect, but intended to beplaced on top of an already, conventional underwear;

FIG. 5 shows schematically another embodiment of the arrangementaccording to present invention, using a panel for separating the scrotumand the remaining part of the body;

FIG. 6 shows schematically an embodiment provided with a sweat absorbingmaterial in front; and

FIG. 7 shows schematically an alternative embodiment of the invention,provided with an adjustable fly means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows schematically a part of a body 10 viewed from the front ofa person dressed with the underwear 11, while FIG. 2 shows the same viewseen from behind. FIG. 3 shows the same view seen in perspective fromthe side. In order to compensate for the shape of the masculine genitalsthe underwear is designed with seams, so that a bulge 13 is created. Theunderwear is in a conventional way fitted with a elastic waistband 14and holes for the legs 15. As indicated in the Figures, a band 17 isused. Said band 17 may be continuous, or it may be provided with twoends (not shown), enabling possible adjustment the length of the band17, thereby giving the intended separation of scrotum from the thighs.As indicated in FIGS. 1-3 the band 17 is intended to be drawn out aroundat least a major part of the body, preferably the entire part of thebody, i.e. down under scrotum in the crutch 16 so that scrotum will bein a position away from the body and up on both side along the ingunenant to the top of or along the buttocks, thereby securing sufficientseparating tension for separating the scrotum from the thighs.

FIG. 4 shows schematic another embodiment of the arrangement accordingto present invention. The embodiment is shown in FIG. 4 is of a typeintended to be placed on top of conventional underwear as a separateadd-on unit. The embodiment disclosed in FIG. 4 comprises a separatestring or a band 17 configured to extend around the body of a male. Atone end the string or the band 17 is provided with a means 19, such asfor example one part of a Velcro unit, while the other end of the stringor the band 17 may be configured with a corresponding part of a Velcrounit, thereby enabling inter-attachment and/or length adjustment of thestring or band 17. The band or string 17 is configured to extend fromthe spine region around the hip along the ingunen or groin on one sidedown below and under the scrotum and up on the other side along theingunen or groin on the other side over the hip and back to the spineregion for attachment with the opposite end of the string or band 17.Further one end of a second string or band 18 is attached to surroundingstring or band 17 in the region configured to be behind the scrotum,i.e. in the region between the scrotum and rectum. Said string or band18 is configured to extend from said attachment point between the twobuttocks and up to the attachment point for said two ends of the stringor band 17. It should be appreciated that the embodiment shown in FIG. 4also may includes a pocket like unit (not shown), intended to beattached to the string or band 17, for example by being sewed on to saidband 17 or attached in any other suitable manner covering the malegenitals. In such case, said embodiment is for example suitable as asleeping model for those males who prefer to sleep naked, but sufferfrom heat generation in the crutch with a consequential development offungus or eczema. The lower end of said pocket extends beneath andbehind the scrotum when the separating bag arrangement is in itsintended position, thereby securing the required separation. In additionthe pocket like unit 18 may at its upper edge in front be provided withtwo frontal bands that at its fitted with each side of the band 17 withrespect to the ingunen, for example attached by means of a Velcroarrangement. The band 17 might either be sown permanently in the pocket18 or it might run more or less freely through a channel along with theupper edge of the pocket. Further, the pocket may preferably have asomewhat smaller height on the side intended to face towards the bodywhen said band 17 is in its intended position.

The band 17 may as mentioned above be in the form of an integrated unitor a separate unit. The length of the band 17 may be adjustable, i.e. itmay either be fixed with a button, or that it will be attached togetherwith Velcro material.

The band 17 according to the present invention may in a simple manner besewed or woven into the garment 11 or it may be placed as an elasticband on top of the garment and under scrotum, near rectum, or directlyon the skin. Alternatively, the band may run more or less freely inducts or channels in the garment. If it is sewed in an elastic band orpanel in the underwear 11, and such band 17 is stretched somewhat inthis process, the underwear will automatically be adapted to the size ofthe wearing male.

Alternatively the separate unit may be in the form of an adjustableelastic band or panel 17 as indicated in FIG. 5. Even if the panel 17according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 extends more or lessinclined or skewed in a linear manner, it should be appreciated that thepanel can follow the curve of the groin. This will mean that the panel17 has a curve upwards towards the side of the hips. Even thisembodiment is drawn around more or less the entire circumference of thebody.

Whether the elastic band or panel 17 are sewed into the underwear or itconstitute a separate part, it will be just a little shorter than thecircumference of a string extending from under the scrotum, upwardsalong the groin, around the back over the buttocks and downwards alongwith the groin on opposite side and back to point of its start. When theembodiment is integrated in the underwear as defined above, i.e. runningover the buttocks and along the groins to a point beneath scrotum closeto rectum, the functioning of the arrangement will not change even ifthe person is sitting, walking or bowing down. This means that it is notnecessary to make any adjustments of the embodiment during differentactivities or body movements, nor will said means impose any strain onthe testicles. In order to ensure maximum comfort a pad or cup withsoftening character may be included in the region where the scrotum willbe in touch with the fabric of the underwear. In addition the fabricpanel 17 in front of the underwear may be made of a non-elastic fabricor configured for giving room for the penis and scrotum so that thegenitals are not pressed against the body. With this panel of fabric aremeant the area above the point where the elastic band or the elasticband is attached beneath the scrotum. In this way it is avoided thepenis and scrotum are pressed against the body and at the same time,said embodiment will give a small lifting effect, thereby avoiding skincontact between the scrotum and the thighs.

FIG. 6 shows schematically an embodiment more or less like theembodiment shown in FIG. 5, the only major difference being that thefront part 20 being made of a fabric of fibers made from bamboo as suchfibers have an improved ability for absorbing moist, and still having ananti-bacterial and ventilating effect.

FIG. 7 shoes schematically an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, where the front of the underwear is provided with anadjustable fly means 22, enabling opening of the fly 22 means forurinating. Said adjusting means 21,23,24 may also be employed in orderto adjust the bulge of the fly 22. The fly means 22 comprises a flip 21enabling opening of the fly 22, thereby enhancing the separation ofscrotum from the thighs 15. The flip 21 is provided with a Velcro unit23, while the underwear 11 is provided with a corresponding Velcro unit24, enabling opening and closing of said flip 21. As indicated in theFigure, the Velcro means 24 on the underwear 11 extends in a verticaldirection, enabling adjustment of the height of the locking point forthe flip 21, while the Velcro means 23 on the flip 21 is arranged in atransverse direction with respect to the direction of the Velcro means24 on the underwear 11, thereby also allowing for lateral adjustment,and hence the stretch and tightness of the flip 21 and the fly 22, ifdeemed necessary.

Research has shown that by using the embodiment according to the presentinvention the temperature of the skin of scrotum is lowered compared touse of conventional underwear, at the same time as scrotum to a largerdegree, is preserving its original firm shape, even in relaxedcondition.

As indicated in the Figures the bands and/or panels 17 form a sidewayrestriction for bulging out the fabric in the underwear, so that apocket are formed in the region for penis and scrotum.

In order to ensure that the scrotum is not pressed against and towardsthe body, a pad and/or a cup formed support may be provided inconnection to the bulging, functioning as a dampening means for pressureor thrust.

Even if the figures expose an underwear of the boxer type, it should bestated that protection may be applied to ordinary trousers.

Thus, while there have shown and described and pointed out fundamentalnovel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodimentthereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutionsand changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and intheir operation, may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expresslyintended that all combinations of those elements and/or method stepswhich perform substantially the same function in substantially the sameway to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention.Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/ormethod steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosedform or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any otherdisclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a generalmatter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limitedonly as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

1. Underwear (11), such as for example boxer shorts or long underwear,intended to be used by men, said underwear at its upper end beingprovided with a first elastic band or panel forming an integral part ofthe underwear (11) and extending around the entire circumference of thewaistband (14) of the underwear (11), and that said underwear (11) inaddition is provided with a second elastic band, string or panel (17),characterized in that said second elastic band, string or panel (17) isin the form of a band extending continuous along at least a part of thecircumference of an underwear beneath the intended position of scrotumof a male person in front of the underwear (11), skewed upwards alongthe intended position of the groin of a male person in direction towardsthe upper end of the intended position of the buttocks of a male person,extending along the intended position of hip bone of a male, in spacedrelation with said first elastic band or panel (14).
 2. Underwear (11)according to claim 1, where said second band or panel (17) has a lengththat may optionally be adjusted.
 3. Underwear (11) according to claim 1,where the band or panel (17) form a integrated part of the underwear.(11).
 4. Underwear (11) according to claim 3, where the band or panel(17) runs into a channel formed in the underwear.
 5. Underwear (11)according to claim 1, where the band or panel (17) is woven into theunderwear (11).
 6. Underwear (11) according to claim 1, where the bandor panel (17) is made of a fabric that have the ability to absorb andpossibly ventilate away moisture from the male body, so that the partlying towards the intended wearing person feels experiences a coolingeffect and without moisture.
 7. Underwear (11) according to claim 1,where the underwear (11) is provided with a pocket or cup which isintended to surround the vital part of scrotum intended to be positionedin said underwear (11).
 8. Underwear (11) according to claim 6, wherethe side of the pocket which is intended to be directed towards the bodyof the wearer in dressed condition has a smaller height than the pocketor cup and preferable is a bit wider than the width of a scrotum. 9.Underwear (11) according to claim 1, where between the bands or panels(17) that are meant to positioned in the region under scrotum isarranged in a cup formed support for supporting scrotum and separatingscrotum from the thighs.
 10. Underwear (11) according to one of theclaim 1, where the material forming the front (13) of the underwear ismade of a woven material made from bamboo fibers.
 11. Underwear (11)according to claim 2, where the band or panel (17) form an integratedpart of the underwear (11).
 12. Underwear (11) according to claim 7,where the side of the pocket which is intended to be directed towardsthe body of the wearer in dressed condition has a smaller height thanthe pocket or cup and preferable is a bit wider than the width of ascrotum.